Mommy Makeover

You sacrifice so much for your children. Your time, your energy, and… your body. While children are an incredible blessing, the process of bringing them into the world can drastically affect your body in unwanted ways. A mommy makeover is a term used to describe a combination of procedures to address unwanted changes that occur following pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Mommy makeovers usually include surgeries to improve the appearance of breasts and the abdomen. For breasts, women usually request breast augmentation, breast lift, or a combination of both, but some women decide to undergo breast reduction as part of their mommy makeover. For abdomen, women typically undergo a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), mini tummy tuck, and/or liposuction, depending on the amount of fat in the abdominal area. Some women also want a buttock augmentation or lift as part of their mommy makeover.

The procedures that make up your mommy makeover depend entirely on your body and your goals - but they are typically done in a single stage procedure. During your initial consultation, Dr. Majewski will work with you to design a mommy makeover that meets your specific needs.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR a MOMMY MAKEOVER?

You are an ideal candidate for a mommy makeover if you: 

• are an adult with close to ideal weight (within 30%)

• have good quality elastic skin and good muscle tone

• are in good health

• don't smoke

• have realistic expectations and a positive outlook

• do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing

• are finished with childbearing

If you are finished having children, lead a healthy lifestyle, and are looking to regain some confidence lost after having children, a mommy makeover might be right for you.

CONSULTATION

The purpose of your consultation with Dr. Majewski is to evaluate whether you are a candidate for a mommy makeover (or a different procedure) and to develop a treatment plan that will help you achieve your goals.

Dr. Majewski will ask you questions about:

• Your surgical goals

• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments

• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use

• Previous surgeries

• Your pregnancies and deliveries

He will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors

• Take photographs

• Discuss your surgical options and other non-surgical treatment options (such as CoolSculpting®)

• Recommend a course of treatment

• Discuss likely outcomes of a mommy makeover and any risks or potential complications

The consultation is the time to ask Dr. Majewski any questions you may have regarding the procedure, recovery, and expected results.

It's very important to understand all aspects of your mommy makeover procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress - or both. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr. Majewski.

COST

The cost of your mommy makeover will vary depending on the specific procedures you choose to undergo. The cost of your procedure will include anesthesia fees, surgical facility costs, medical tests, post-surgery garments, prescriptions for medications, and the surgeon’s fee.

When choosing a board certified plastic surgeon for your mommy makeover, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.

Most health insurance does not cover the cosmetic procedures included in mommy makeovers or their unlikely complications, but we do offer CareCredit for all cosmetic procedures. (Note: If you have a breast reduction as part of your mommy makeover, that procedure may be covered by insurance.)

You might also consider the cost of childcare or other assistance you might need during your recovery period - such as meal delivery, a cleaning service, etc. Although usually not necessary, some patients prefer to delegate some of their household responsibilities during the first few weeks of recovery so they can focus on healing fully.

PREPARATION

In preparing for a mommy makeover, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation

• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

• Stop smoking

• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Most of Dr. Majewski’s mommy makeover cases will take place at our state-of-the-art Surgery Center at the Reserve, located conveniently right next door to our clinic.

PROCEDURE

The mommy makeover procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Dr. Majewski will recommend the best choice of anesthesia for you, and will explain what to expect from anesthesia.

Once you are under anesthesia for your safety and comfort, the procedure can begin.

The exact procedure steps will vary depending on the procedures you decide to undergo. You can learn more about each of these procedures and what they entail here:

BREAST PROCEDURES

• Breast Augmentation

• Breast Lift

• Breast Reduction

BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES

• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

• Liposuction

• Thigh Lift

• Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

RECOVERY

Recovery from your surgery will vary greatly depending on the specific procedures you get done. If you undergo abdominoplasty, breast lift, or liposuction, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas once your procedure is completed. These help to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid. You’ll be asked to wear a post-surgical bra or another soft, supportive bra with no wire for several weeks following your breast augmentation or breast lift.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site(s) and drains

• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection

• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site, or in your general health

• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon

RECOVERY TIMELINE

Since you’ll be getting more than one major surgical procedure, you can expect to have a recovery period of several weeks, with full results after several months.

You’ll want to make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from surgery, and stay with you for the first night at least - but ideally, for the first few days following surgery, so that you do not have to overexert yourself. You should be able to return to work after a week or two (depending on the extent of your procedures), provided that your work is not physically demanding. Dr. Majewski will give you a more customized recovery timeline during your consultation.

Before scheduling your surgery, think through what time of year makes the most sense for you to undergo this procedure. If you typically get summers off of work, then summer might be a great time for you to recover from your surgery. If your work schedule is less flexible, you might consider getting surgery around a holiday or other break - such as around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or spring break - when you will have family around to help you as you recover.

You will be far more satisfied during your recovery period if you know what to expect - so be sure to ask Dr. Majewski for clarification regarding what to expect during your individual recovery period, including:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?

• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?

• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?

• How long will I wear the compression garment?

• Are stitches removed? When?

• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?

• When do I return for follow-up care?

RESULTS

Most patients are eager to see their results as quickly as possible - which is understandable! A mommy makeover can make a dramatic difference in your appearance, and on your self-image.

Patience is key during the recovery period - swelling and numbness are common, and might make you feel discouraged immediately following your procedure.

Be patient with your body, and focus on taking care of yourself. You’ll be debuting your new look in no time! Until then, focus on doing everything you can to recover fully. Follow Dr. Majewski’s instructions closely to ensure best results and a speedy recovery. It's important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing.

Once your swelling subsides, you’ll be able to enjoy the full results of your surgery. The results of your procedure will be long lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and general fitness.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure, and another surgery may be necessary. If you receive breast implants, Dr. Majewski will explain how you may have to have additional surgeries in the future to maintain your desired look.

There are trade-offs, but most women feel these are small compared to the large improvement in their self-confidence after surgery.

As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will continue to enjoy your results for years to come.